3of12Eric Rocha and his grandson, Carson Ensign, son of Animal Care Facility manager Chad Ensign, look through the window at dogs available for adiption in the new dog runs during the grand opening celebration of the City of Converse Animal Care Facility at 8755 FM 1516 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer

4of12Two dogs available for adoption in the new dog runs during the grand opening celebration of the City of Converse Animal Care Facility at 8755 FM 1516 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer

5of12A plate of decorated cookies for the crowd during the grand opening celebration of the City of Converse Animal Care Facility at 8755 FM 1516 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer

6of12Nason and Liza Villanueva, right, check out dogs available for adoption in the new dog runs during the grand opening celebration of the City of Converse Animal Care Facility at 8755 FM 1516 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer

7of12Scott and Michele Friedeck look at dogs available for adoption in the new dog runs during the grand opening celebration of the City of Converse Animal Care Facility at 8755 FM 1516 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer

Dogs were barking, fans were spinning, and people were pointing and gawking at the dogs up for adoption on Aug. 10, during the grand opening of the long-awaited Converse Animal Care Facility.

The facility is the final project completed from six bond issues approved by Converse residents in November 2015. A $10.6 million road repair and replacement bond was approved, as were bonds to build a new city hall, new fire station, and public library, and $1 million for city parks improvements.

During the grand opening event, Mayor Al Suarez recited a time line of how the need for a shelter originated. He recognized those who served on committees that evaluated the need for the shelter prior to the bond election, and those who serve on an animal advisory committee that helped design the facility once it was approved.

“This facility, with over 9,100 square feet, is an example of what happens when we bring the community together for a common purpose,” he said.

Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert gave the city props for addressing the stray animal issue with the new facility, constructed on land at FM 1516 and Upper Seguin Road. The city gained the property at no cost, through a land-for-services swap with the Judson Independent School District.

“We have 2.7 million animals that are euthanized across the United States, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats,” Calvert said. “Because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet, they are not able to find local options.You now have a state-of-the-art facility that will serve your city well into the future.”

Calvert told a story about adopting his first pet, and told of the county’s start of its own animal shelters. The county used to have a partnership with the city of San Antonio for animal care.

“But we were paying as much to house our dogs and cats in the city of San Antonio’s kennel as we would to put them up in the J.W. Marriott, so we decided to invest in ourselves,” he added.

Animal Care Facility manager Chad Ensign said his staff has been busy preparing for the opening and the arrival of its first animals.

“This is a full community effort,” Ensign said. “We have volunteers already who have dropped off information. They want to volunteer, and I’m going to let them,” he said, to a round of laughter. “I will be trying to network with many of the rescues in our community and the area.”

Calvert summarized several projects that the county and Converse have worked on, including the planned Sante 51 community effort next to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, several highway and road projects, and the establishment of a sheriff’s extension office, at Loop 1604 and Rocket Lane.

“I’m proud that the city of Converse is investing in itself, investing in its future and investing in the quality of life.,” he said. “These steps are possible because of local government working together for our constituents.”